{"id":9614,"date":"2020-05-14T09:40:02","date_gmt":"2020-05-14T08:40:02","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=9614"},"modified":"2023-01-16T12:03:13","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T12:03:13","slug":"9-essentials-looking-your-best-on-video-calls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/9-essentials-looking-your-best-on-video-calls\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Essentials for Looking Your Best on Video Conference Calls"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yes, <\/span><\/i>It’s really only what’s above the desk that counts!<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been on enough video calls these past few months to know that everyone, including me, could use a little help looking their best. From work meetings, to a 1:1 with your boss, to a client\u2019s presentation to a virtual pub quiz, we all suddenly have to be under the spotlights in our homes. As a <\/span>RingCentral Marketing Team member<\/span>, I\u2019m no stranger to having to be camera-ready at all times and especially in imperfect spaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the past few months, I\u2019ve been working on improving my own video chat<\/a> setup: From knowing how to sit properly to get the best light, to choosing the right headphones, to wearing the perfect blush. Here are my best tips and tricks to becoming the video call<\/a> star you were always meant to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Light the way<\/b><\/h3>\n

Start with lighting<\/span> because that will dictate where you\u2019re sitting. Place your primary light source behind your camera. Adjust your screen brightness, especially if you\u2019re taking a call without natural light. A bright screen can blow out the highlights on your face, making you look more like Casper the Ghost than a video calling champion. Avoid overhead lights, too, as they can create dark under-eye shadows.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the angle, the camera should be placed at your eye level. If you\u2019re using a laptop, place something beneath it to raise it until your eyes are at the same level as the camera lens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose a neutral background<\/b><\/h3>\n

Make sure your background is uncluttered and professional. Less is more. Sit at your desk and take a selfie or a screenshot of what others see in your background. Consider designating one wall as your \u2018company\u2019 wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t \u201cdress to impress\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n

When it comes to clothing, avoid patterns, stripes and plaids. Choose solid, bold colours. Check your appearance one last time before signing on. Keep a brush or comb and a small mirror in your desk drawer for quick touch ups during interview breaks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintain eye contact<\/b><\/h3>\n

You\u2019re sure to look like a beginner if you don\u2019t look directly into the camera or at least at the face of the person. Avoid the temptation of staring at your own image throughout the video call.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t